Failing course looks to cash in on ‘footgolf’ phenomenon
A MAJOR expansion to a failing Birmingham golf course has been unveiled featuring ‘footgolf’ and a driving range.
Hilltop Golf Course, in Handsworth Wood, needs to drum up twice as much business to break even and admitted its future looks ‘bleak’.
The facility is under-subscribed while its current 18-hole course is ‘cramped’ and has safety problems.
Mytime Active, which runs it, says it needs a ‘radical’ approach to sustain the course.
The company has now submitted a planning application to Birmingham City Council to create substantial new additions as part of its vision to develop a golf academy.
One of the proposals is to introduce a nine-hole par 3 course which would provide an “ideal facility for those new to the sport to learn the game”.
Another attraction would be a 22-bay floodlit driving range which would also include the ‘latest teaching aids’ such as computer and video analysis.
They said ‘discreet’ lights would be fixed to the building canopy without the need for ‘intrusive columns’.
And Hilltop is also looking to capitalise on the ‘footgolf’ phenomenon where people kick footballs around a course into large cups.
Further improvements in scheme include re-profiling the the existing 18-hole course to make it ‘more interesting and exciting, easier to walk and better for drainage’.
The proposal also includes a new putting course and relocation of the car park because the existing site is considered to be ‘isolated’ leaving vehicles vulnerable to vandalism and theft.
A planning statement from consultants Landor said: “Mytime Active has identified an opportunity to develop a golf academy at Hilltop Golf Club that would be of great benefit to the local area.
“The existing 18-hole golf course is failing due to its design, location, competition from other golf courses as well as competition from other leisure activities.
“A more family friendly learning and teaching academy development is proposed to be far more competitive and enjoyable to the public.”
It adds: “The proposed development is to provide a completely new golf offer to enhance and revive Hilltop Golf Course.
“Presently Hilltop Golf Course is under-subscribed and has only 30 active members.
“In the last 12 months there were approximately 17,000 rounds played at the course. To break even and stay viable the club needs 35,000 rounds.
“The viability of the course and its long-term future is bleak and a radical approach is required in order to attract more players and members.
“The existing 18-hole course is cramped and has conflicting fairways, which raises safety issues.”